“The judiciary has maintained a position of indifference on the subject of impunity, and that is the origin of the crisis in which the country now finds itself…” – Dr. César Barrientos

GHRC expresses profound sadness at the news of the tragic death of Dr. César Barrientos Pellecer, a Justice of the Guatemalan Supreme Court, on March 2, 2014. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, his colleagues, and to all the people of Guatemala for this irreparable loss.

As an academic and magistrate, Dr. Barrientos worked tirelessly to advance justice and the rule of law in Guatemala. He was a major force behind the creation of the High Risk Tribunals, which have successfully litigated formerly “untouchable” cases from Guatemala’s internal armed conflict and against organized crime.

Dr. Barrientos also implemented numerous important procedural and administrative reforms of the criminal justice system and supported the appointment of judges based on their professional accomplishments and their demonstrated honorability. He was a staunch advocate of respecting Guatemala’s commitments and obligations under international law, and worked to ensure Guatemalan courts implemented rulings of the Inter-American Human Rights Court.

The last message Dr. Barrientos wrote to his closest friends and colleagues was, in a sense, an impassioned call for others to continue where he left off.

“The efficiency of the criminal justice process has been improved,” he wrote. “Now we should reflect on whether we observe the rules of due process, whether we respect the human rights of those facing charges as well as those of the victims, and whether we fulfill the social pact to permit judges to resolve judicial conflicts without pressure or intimidation.”

He also addressed civil society: “The media should support and amplify the promotion and respect of due process, and citizens should understand that the principal way to address crime is that of prevention through the construction of a more equal society, with more opportunities, and above all, one of solidarity.”

Tragically, it is precisely because of these efforts that Dr. Barrientos and his family have been subject to threats, defamation and persecution.

While he never wavered in his strict adherence to the law, GHRC staff had the honor of witnessing first-hand his compassion for victims of violence as well as his solidarity with colleagues who worked alongside him to guarantee justice. We lament the void that his passing has left in Guatemala’s struggle for peace, accountability and the defense of human rights. It is paramount that the judiciary continue to advance the crucial institutional reforms to which Dr. Barrientos dedicated his life.

We call on the Guatemalan government, in coordination with the CICIG, to thoroughly investigate his death, as well as the personal and professional persecution he suffered during his time as a member of the Supreme Court.